Human Reproduction
© Lisa Michalek
makes and
stores
hormones
oestrogen &
progesterone
testosterone
Hormones are chemical messengers in the body that travel
through the bloodstream to control how different organs and
systems work.
Similarities
Gametes
Sex cells
Reproductive
cells
Germ cells
The purpose of the outer protective
layer of the egg is to supply vital
proteins to the cell.
A chromosome is a
thread-like structure of DNA
(nucleic acids and proteins)
that carries genes. The "X" or
"Y" gene that determines
whether you will be a boy or
a girl is an example of a
chromosome.
Fertilization is the fusion of male and female gametes (sperm and egg) to form a
unique diploid zygote, initiating the development of a new organism.
In humans, this process occurs in the fallopian tube, typically within 24 hours of
ovulation, combining 23 chromosomes from each parent. The resulting zygote then
divides and implants in the uterus.
Egg Sperm
Number 1/ovulation 250 - 280 million/ejaculation
Size 0.12 mm 50 micrometer (10k smaller than
egg
Mitochondria 100-200 75-100
special features non motile (cannot move) motile (flagella)
chromosomes carries X chromosomes carries the X and Y
chromosomes
Production ovaries testes
Estrogen: Responsible for the development of female
secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast
development and wider hips. It also regulates the
menstrual cycle and helps thicken the uterine lining for
possible pregnancy.
Progesterone: Helps maintain the uterine lining after
ovulation and supports pregnancy by preparing the
uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg.
Testosterone: Responsible for the development of
male secondary sexual characteristics, such as deeper
voice, facial hair, and increased muscle mass. It also
stimulates sperm production and supports sex drive.
The Male and Female
Reproductive Systems
Male Reproductive System
● To produce,
maintain and
transport sperm
(the male
reproductive cells)
and protective fluid
(semen)
● To discharge sperm
within the female
reproductive tract
● To produce and
secrete male sex
hormones
[Link]
The male reproductive system is unique
because important structures such as the
testes, scrotum, and penis are located
outside the body cavity. This external
positioning is essential for successful
reproduction.
The testes need a temperature slightly
lower than normal body temperature for
effective sperm production, and the scrotum
helps regulate this temperature by moving
the testes closer to or farther from the body.
[Link]
Female Reproductive System
- The ovaries produce the egg cells, called the
ova or oocytes.
- site for fertilisation
- Implantation of the zygote in the uterus
- site of menstrual cycle
- produces female sex hormones that maintain
the reproductive cycle.
The female reproductive system is
located inside the body mainly to
protect the reproductive organs and
support the development of a fetus
during pregnancy.
Structures such as the ovaries,
fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina are
internal because fertilization and fetal
development require a stable, warm,
and protected environment.